4.3.4. Serious and individual threat

In the context of the ‘sliding scale’, each case should be assessed individually, taking into account the applicant’s personal circumstances together with the nature and intensity of the violence in their home area (see also 4.3.3. Indiscriminate violence). It is not feasible to provide exhaustive guidance as to what the relevant personal circumstances could be and how those should be assessed. Individual elements can exist in combination. Other factors may also be relevant.

• Age: Children and elderly people may not be able to move without help or be able to quickly assess and avoid risky locations. Furthermore, incidents in schools have been reported in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the states of Borno, Kaduna, and Katsina. Bandits in Zamfara state were also planting landmines on roads to block government forces’ accessing during attacks. Therefore, younger children and elderly persons may be more susceptible to indiscriminate violence.

• Health condition and disabilities, including mental health issues: Indiscriminate attacks in Nigeria by insurgents, Boko Haram and communal groups in the context of communal clashes, have taken place in public spaces, including hospitals and health centres, mostly in Borno, Katsina, Zamfara. Infrastructure damage in hospitals is also reported in the country. People with disabilities related to mobility or individuals with reduced mobility may not be able to move without help. Furthermore, people with mental health issues might not be able to quickly assess and avoid risky locations. Moreover, persons with health issues required to visit the hospital on a regular basis might be also exposed to indiscriminate violence, either at healthcare facilities or while traveling to and from them. Therefore, some persons with health conditions may be more susceptible to indiscriminate violence.

• Profession and/or place of residence: Indiscriminate attacks in Nigeria resulting from Boko Haram, communal clashes, herder-farmer conflicts, and cult clashes, have taken place in public spaces, such as hospitals/health centres, schools, universities, and markets, including in Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Nasarawa and Niger. Persons who, due to their place of residence or professional activity, are frequently in the vicinity of such places (e.g. nurses, doctors, teachers, market workers) or people regularly commuting to such places (e.g. patients, school children) may be more susceptible to indiscriminate violence. Roads were also sites of attacks, killings, kidnappings, explosive devices incidents, carried out by Islamist groups, particularly affecting IDPs and travellers, especially in the state of Borno. Landmine contamination has been reported in Zamfara. Therefore, travellers, IDPs, and individuals moving for personal or professional reasons may be more susceptible to indiscriminate violence.

• Economic situation: The economic situation in Nigeria is difficult. People in dire economic situation may be forced to expose themselves to risks, such as working in areas affected by indiscriminate violence.

• Knowledge of the area and support network: Some Nigerians were born or have lived for an extensive period of time outside Nigeria. Such individuals may not have knowledge of the area and experience of local violence patterns; they may also lack the support network to inform them on such issues or provide them assistance. Therefore, they may be more susceptible to indiscriminate violence.